ISW reports Kadyrov’s concerns regarding the possibility of internal opposition in Chechnya.

Ramzan Kadyrov’s demonstrative reaction to the attack on a police station in Chechnya indicates concern about the stability of his authoritarian rule, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say.

Source: ISW report

Details: The Institute drew attention to the statement of Kadyrov, who informedthat on the night of March 28, Chechen security forces killed two men who were trying to attack a police station in Gudermes.

Analysts noted that Kadyrov’s special forces university is located in Gudermes, although it is still not known for sure whether the attack was related to this educational institution.

Shortly after the death of the Kadyrov attackers posted footagehow he, along with his 15-year-old son and Chechen officials and security personnel, visited the scene of the attack and examined the mutilated bodies of the attackers.

“Kadyrov probably believes that the demonstrative examination of the bodies of the dead should strengthen his image as a strong man and send a signal to the Chechens that any form of internal resistance to his rule will be eliminated. The very fact that Kadyrov’s reaction to the attack was so immediate and harsh indicates that that he is concerned about the potential for internal resistance within Chechnya that could undermine his authoritarian rule,” ISW analysts said.

The institute recalled that on March 13, Kadyrov met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase the importance of Chechnya in the Russian political and military spheres.

According to the ISW, Putin may use Kadyrov’s fear of losing his good graces to force an increase in the role of Chechen fighters in the fighting in Ukraine.

“Kadyrov probably sees any signs of internal instability in Chechnya as a threat to his continued commitment from Putin,” the experts concluded.